“Indian restaurant” covers many regional cuisines. In Leicester you will find North Indian and Punjabi menus (rich gravies, naan, tandoor), Gujarati vegetarian cooking (especially around Belgrave Road), and South Indian food (rice, lentils, coconut, dosa). Herb, at 96 Granby Street, serves fully vegetarian Kerala and South Indian food.
Why the label “Indian restaurant” is not enough
India has dozens of regional cuisines, and the Indian restaurants most British diners know serve one or two of them. Leicester is one of the UK’s best cities for Indian food, which means you can choose by region rather than settling for a generic menu.
The main styles you will meet in Leicester
| Style | Known for | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| North Indian / Punjabi | Tandoori grills, naan and roti, rich tomato and onion gravies, dal makhani | A classic curry-house meal, meat-eaters |
| Gujarati vegetarian | Thalis, farsan snacks, sweets, no meat; strongly associated with Belgrave Road | A long vegetarian meal and Indian sweets |
| South Indian | Dosa, idli, sambar, rice-based dishes, coconut chutneys | Lighter meals, vegetarians, gluten-free diners |
| Kerala | Coconut curries, banana-leaf dishes, the sadya, thoran, avial | Something different, vegetarian and vegan guests |
How to choose for your group
- Decide the diet first. If anyone is vegan, vegetarian or gluten free, a menu with clear tags or a fully vegetarian kitchen saves stress.
- Decide the mood. A big shared feast, a quick lunch or a dinner for two point to different places.
- Check the menu online for prices and tags, and read recent reviews on more than one platform.
- Book if you are more than four, and tell the restaurant about allergies in advance.
Where Herb fits
Herb cooks the food of Kerala, in South India, and everything on the menu is vegetarian, with vegan, gluten-free and nut-free dishes tagged. It is at 96 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DJ, about 5 minutes’ walk from the railway station, open Sunday to Thursday 12:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 to 23:00. Dosas start at £6.89 and the weekday lunch thali is £6.95.
Read next
Indian restaurant in Leicester: what makes Herb a must-visit, the complete guide to Kerala cuisine, where to eat in Leicester city centre, and the Herb Leicester page to book.
FAQ
What is the difference between North and South Indian restaurants?
North Indian menus lean on wheat breads, tandoor grills and rich gravies; South Indian menus lean on rice, lentils, coconut and fermented batters such as dosa and idli.
Is there a South Indian restaurant in Leicester city centre?
Yes. Herb, at 96 Granby Street, serves a fully vegetarian Kerala and South Indian menu, about 5 minutes' walk from the railway station.
How do I choose an Indian restaurant for a mixed group?
Check the menu for tagged vegan, gluten-free and nut-free dishes, ask about group bookings and look at recent reviews on more than one platform.
Visit Herb Restaurant
Authentic vegetarian and vegan South Indian & Kerala food in Leicester and Leamington Spa.
Herb Leicester Herb Leamington Spa Order Online